Rudi’s Bakery pledges to aid entrepreneurs

Rudi’s Organic Bakery is embracing its entrepreneurial heritage and commitment to living the good life by partnering with Kiva, a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect people across the globe by lending to small businesses to alleviate poverty. Now through May 20, 2013, fans can log on to the Rudi’s Organic ‘Seed. Sprout. Grow.’ Facebook application to view and share inspiring stories from entrepreneurs.

The goal is to loan $25,000 to 25 entrepreneurs in 25 days, while encouraging fans to check the heart-shaped ‘giving meter’ within the application to see weekly updates on the progress toward this goal. To further the company’s commitment, Rudi’s Organic plans to donate the $25,000 back to Kiva once borrowers have repaid the ‘Seed. Sprout. Grow.’ loans.

“Recognizing that Rudi’s Organic started as a humble local bakery more than 35 years ago, we decided to partner with Kiva to help fellow entrepreneurs in the U.S. and across the globe achieve their goal of building a business with like-minded values,” said Doug Radi, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Rudi’s Organic. “When we saw that Kiva had a successful and inspiring history of growing small businesses, we knew they would be the right partner in helping others to achieve their business goals and ultimately improve their community.”

Users can select their favorite story from those posted each week and ‘share’ it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest to loan $1 on Rudi’s Organic’s behalf. It’s simple; one ‘share’ equals a $1 loan. There is no limit to how many times a fan can share a story, and fans are encouraged to ‘like’ the Rudi’s Organic Facebook page to download a $1 off coupon good for any Rudi’s Organic product.

“At Kiva, we always try to seek partners with closely aligned goals, and this year we’re thankful that Rudi’s Organic has become one of them,” said Jason Riggs, communications director at Kiva. “This new partnership will allow for entrepreneurs around the globe to grow their businesses successfully, and create better lives for themselves and for their families.”

Through ‘Seed. Sprout. Grow.’, five entrepreneurs who are in need of a microloan to grow their business will be featured each week for five weeks, providing fans the opportunity to learn more about each of their unique stories and explore the entrepreneurial community on Kiva.org.

The partnership between Rudi’s Organic and Kiva is serendipitous to the launch of the new Rudi’s Organic line of Super Seeded and Sprouted Breads. Rudi’s Organic Super Seeded and Sprouted Breads are packed with healthy seeds and grains for greater nutrition and yumminess. Specifically, Rudi’s Organic Super Seeded Breads are USDA Certified Organic and are jam-packed with 4g of protein, plus 15–17g of whole grains and 2g of fiber with omega 3s. Rudi’s Organic Sprouted Breads are made with 85 percent organic ingredients and offer 17–19g of whole grains, 3g fiber and 5g of protein all sandwiched into only 120 calories per slice.